Systems and methods for storing and generating energy

ABSTRACT

A method for storing potential energy and generating electrical energy. The method has the steps of accumulating and storing potential energy, converting the potential energy to mechanical energy at the election of a user, and converting the mechanical energy to electrical energy. There are various embodiments of energy storage and generation systems for carrying out the steps of the method.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A PRIOR APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/094,812,filed Apr. 26, 2011, which claims priority based upon U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application 61/327,928, filed Apr. 26, 2010, both of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to systems for storing potential energyand generating electrical energy. The present disclosure further relatesto methods for storing potential energy and generating electricalenergy.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is a need for continued development of alternate energy sourcesand technologies for harnessing them. One alternate energy source isharnessing potential energy from the ocean and/or other bodies of water.It would be desirable to have systems that utilize the motion of waves,variation in tides, and/or buoyancy effects as sources of energy.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a method forstoring potential energy and generating electrical energy. The methodhas the steps of accumulating and storing potential energy, convertingthe potential energy to mechanical energy at the election of a user, andconverting the mechanical energy to electrical energy.

Further according to the present disclosure, there is provided an energygeneration system. The system has a mechanical energy generationapparatus positioned within or contiguous to a tidal body of waterhaving a high tide reference level and a low tide reference level and anelectrical generator in communication with the apparatus and adapted toconvert mechanical energy to electrical energy. The apparatus has afirst stop, a second stop, a guide extending from the first end to thesecond end, and a float adapted to actuate between the first stop andthe second stop along the guide. The apparatus is positioned generallyvertical within the body of water. The first stop is positioned inproximity to and preferably below the high tide reference level. Thesecond stop is positioned in proximity to and preferably just above thelow tide reference level. The actuation of the float generatesmechanical energy that is communicated to the electrical generator.

Further according to the present disclosure, there is provided an energygeneration and storage system. The system has one or more mechanicalenergy generation apparatuses positioned within a body of water (orother liquid) and (ii) one or more electrical generators incommunication with the one or more apparatuses and adapted to convertmechanical energy received from the one or more mechanical apparatusesto electrical energy. The apparatus is positioned generally verticallyin the body of water. The one or more apparatuses each has a flotationplatform, a bottom stop, a guide extending from the flotation platforminto the body of water to the bottom stop, a float adapted to actuatealong the guide between the flotation platform and the bottom stop, anda source of pressurized gas. The float has a tank adapted to retain gasor water. The tank has first and second valves adapted to control theingress and egress of gas or water. The tank is adapted such that watercan enter through either or both of the first and second valves when thefloat is in proximity to the flotation platform. The float is adaptedsuch that it can actuate toward the bottom stop after the tank issubstantially filled with water. The tank is adapted that it can be incommunication with the source of pressurized gas when the float is inproximity to the bottom stop. The tank is adapted such that water can beexpelled therefrom through the second valve with pressurized gas throughthe first valve when the tank is in communication with the source ofpressurized gas. The float is adapted such that it can actuate towardthe flotation platform after the tank is substantially filled with gas.Actuation of the float generates mechanical energy that can becommunicated to the electrical generator to generate electricity.

Further according to the present disclosure, there is provided anotherenergy generation and storage system. The system has a collector adaptedto receive rainwater, a container adapted to receive water from thecollector continually or periodically, and a guide having a top end anda lower end. The container is adapted to actuate along the guide fromthe vicinity of the upper end to the vicinity of the lower end. Thecontainer is adapted to actuate from the upper end to the lower end whenthe container is substantially full or at a predesignated weight and itis released. Mechanical energy is generated by the actuation of thecontainer. Mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy in theelectrical generator. The counterweight is connected to the container bya cable. The counterweight is heavier than the container when thecontainer is empty or substantially empty. The weight of thecounterweight relative to the weight of the container when empty orsubstantially empty is sufficient to pull the container back up theguide to the vicinity of the upper end.

Further according to the present disclosure, there is provided an energygeneration and storage system. The system has first and second sails, acable, a mechanical converter, and an electrical generator. The firstand second sails are connected via the cable. The first and second sailsare capable of being furled and unfurled. The first and second sails arecapable of receiving solar light and actuating and reciprocating todesignated positions. The cable is routed through the platform. Themechanical converter is capable of receiving mechanical energy generatedby the actuation of the cable. The mechanical converter is incommunication with the electrical generator. The electrical generatorreceives mechanical energy from the mechanical converter and converts itinto electrical energy.

Further according to the present disclosure, there is provided an energygeneration and storage system. The system has a platform, an icemaker,first and second guides, and an electrical generator. The guide extendsfrom the generator to the platform. The icemaker is capable of freezinga quantity of water to form a body of ice that floats or actuates alongthe guide to the platform. The actuation creates mechanical energy thatis converted to electrical energy by the electrical generator.

Further according to the present disclosure, there is provided an energygeneration and storage system. The system has first and second capturedevices, a cable, a mechanical converter, and an electrical generator.The first and second capture devices are connected via the cable. Thefirst and second capture devices are capable of being furled andunfurled. The first and second capture devices are capable of receivingsolar light and actuating and reciprocating to designated positions. Thecable is routed through the platform. The mechanical converter iscapable of receiving mechanical energy generated by the actuation of thecable. The mechanical converter is in communication with the electricalgenerator. The electrical generator receives mechanical energy from themechanical converter and converts it into electrical energy.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts the view of FIG. 1 wherein the float has actuated towardthe bottom of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 depicts a schematic view of a float useful in the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a schematic view of another system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic view of another system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic view of another system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic view of another system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 depicts a schematic view of another system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic view of another system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 depicts a schematic view of another system in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 11 depicts a schematic view of another system in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 12 depicts a schematic view of another system in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 13 depicts a view of a paddle useful in the system of claim 12.

FIG. 14 depicts another view of a portion of a paddle useful in thesystem of claim 12.

FIG. 15 depicts yet another view of a paddle useful in the system ofclaim 12.

FIG. 16 depicts a schematic view of another system in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 17 depicts a schematic view of another system in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 18 depicts a view of a clockwork mechanism and DC motor/generatoruseful in the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

One embodiment of system is depicted in FIG. 1 and is generallyreferenced by the numeral 10. System 10 has a mechanical energygeneration apparatus 12 positioned generally vertically within orimmediately contiguous to a tidal body of water (tidal body 14).Apparatus 12 has the following: (a) a first stop 16, (b) a second stop18, (c) a guide 20 extending from the first end to the second end, and(d) a float 22 adapted to repetitively actuate from first stop 16 tosecond stop 18 and back to first stop 16 along guide 20.

First and second stops 16 and 18 generally take the form of barriersthat substantially or completely arrest the further movement oractuation of float 22. Although first and second stops 18 and 20 areshown schematically without particular form in FIGS. 1 and 2, they cantake the form of any artificial or natural barrier, e.g., the undersideof a boat dock, an erected structure or foundation, a flotation device,or a sea floor.

Guide 20 can take the form of any mechanical guiding or directioningdevice or article, such as a cable, tether, pipe, conduit, pole, rod, orother member capable of guiding and conveying float 22 between firststop 16 and second stop 18 repetitively. Guide 20 can be of a rigid orflexible material of construction.

A high tide reference level 24 and low tide reference level 26 areestablished to allow for optimal positioning of first and second stops16 and 18. Typically, high tide reference level 24 will correspond to anaverage water level at high tide for the tidal body 14 at the intendedlocation of first stop 16. Correspondingly, low tide reference level 26will correspond to an average water level at low tide for tidal body 14at the intended location for second stop 30.

First stop 16 is preferably positioned such that a lower surface 28thereof is below high tide reference level 24 (lower surface 28 will bethe surface that comes into contact with or be in close proximity tofloat 22). Second stop 18 is preferably positioned such that an uppersurface 30 thereof is just above low tide reference level 26 (uppersurface 30 will be the surface that comes into contact with or closeproximity to float 22). More preferably, first stop 16 is positionedwithin one foot and most preferably within six inches of high tidereference level 24. Further preferably, second stop 18 is positionedwithin one foot and most preferably within six inches of low tidereference level 16.

Apparatus 12 is in communication with an electrical generator 32 toconvert mechanical energy (from actuation of float 22) to electricalenergy. Typically, communication takes the form of a direct or indirectmechanical connection, e.g., a clockwork mechanism (not shown), fromapparatus 12 and generator 32. The electrical generator can be any kindknown in the art. Although FIGS. 1 and 2 depict generator 32 as beinglocated out of water, i.e., out of tidal body 14, generator 32 may belocated in or out of the water at a fixed position or on a flotationdevice.

Float 22 can take the form of any device capable of floating on thesurface of tidal body 14. Preferred devices take the form of a sealedtank having a free gas therein or a sealed tank having valves therein.An embodiment of a sealed tank having valves therein is shownschematically in FIG. 3 as tank 40. Tank 40 has an upper portion 42 anda lower portion 44. Upper portion 42 has a first valve 46 and lowerportion 44 has a second valve 48. Valves 46 and 48 are adapted tocontrol the ingress and egress of air and water. Valves 46 and 48 can bemanipulated to allow water to enter tank 40 and air to exit or bleedfrom tank 40 when float 22 is in proximity to first stop 16. Valves 46and 48 can be manipulated to allow air or other gas to enter tank 40 andwater to exit or bleed from tank 40 when float 22 is in proximity tosecond stop 18. A sealed tank having only a free gas therein (not shown)is constructed such that the total weight does not exceed the buoyancygenerated by the sealed gas therein.

Another embodiment of an energy generation system is depicted in FIG. 4and is generally referenced with the numeral 50. System 50 has aplurality, e.g., three, mechanical energy generation apparatuses 52, 54,and 56 positioned generally vertically within or immediately contiguousto a tidal body of water (tidal body 58). In lieu of a tidal body ofwater, a body of liquid may be used. Apparatus 52 has a flotationplatform 58, a bottom stop 60, a guide 62, a float 64, and a source ofpressurized gas 66. Apparatus 54 has a flotation platform 68, a bottomstop 70, a guide 72, a float 74, and a source of pressurized gas 76.Apparatus 56 has a flotation platform 78, a bottom stop 80, a guide 82,a float 84, and a source of pressurized gas 86. The guides extend fromthe flotation platforms to the bottom stops. Floats 64, 74, and 84 areadapted to actuate from flotation platforms 58, 68, and 78,respectively, to bottom stops 60, 70, and 80, respectively, back andforth in a continual and repetitive manner along guides 62, 72, and 82,respectively.

Bottoms stops 60, 70, and 80 are interconnected as shown in FIG. 4 inthe form of a unitary platform 88 but can, if desired, be interconnectedvia cable, tether, pipe, conduit, pole, rod, or other known devices (notshown). The interconnecting device can be of a rigid or flexiblematerial of construction. If desired, bottom stops can alternately beconfigured to be stand-alone or non-interconnected (not shown). Ifbottom stops are stand-alone or non-interconnected, they can be anchoredto the sea floor, shore, or other object so as to enable the apparatusin remaining substantially stationary (not shown). Alternately, a bottomstop (and/or a platform or other bottom stops to which they may beattached) can be made heavy enough so that they remain substantiallystationary when the float ascends from the bottom stop to a flotationplatform.

Floats 64, 74, and 84 have tanks 90, 92, and 94, respectively, adaptedto retain either gas or water. Tanks 90, 92, and 94 have first valves96, 98, and 100, respectively, and second valves 102, 104, and 106,respectively, adapted to control the ingress and egress of gas or water.Tanks 90, 92, and 94 are adapted such that water can enter througheither or both of the first valves 96, 98, and 100 and second valves102, 104, and 106 when floats 64, 74, and 84 are in proximity toflotation platforms 58, 68, and 78. Floats 64, 74, and 84 are adaptedsuch that they actuate toward bottom stops 60, 70, and 80 after tanks90, 92, and 94 are substantially filled with water. When floats 64, 74,and 84 are in proximity to bottom stops 60, 70, and 80, tanks 90, 92,and 94 are adapted to communicate with sources of pressurized gas 66,76, and 86, respectively. Tanks 90, 92, and 94 are adapted such thatpressurized gas is injected through first valves 96, 98, and 100,respectively, and water is forcibly expelled through second valves 102,104, and 106, respectively. It should be understood that the relativepositioning of first valves 96, 98, and 100 and second valves 102, 104,and 106 in tanks 90, 92, and 94 is not critical and that first valvesand second valves may be used interchangeably to pass gas or water.After tanks 90, 92, and 94 are substantially filled with gas, floats 64,74, and 84 are adapted to actuate toward flotation platforms 58, 68, and78, respectively.

Apparatuses 52, 54, and 56 is in communication with electricalgenerators 66, 76, and 86, respectively, to convert mechanical energy(from actuation of floats 64, 74, and 84, respectively) to electricalenergy. Typically, communication takes the form of a direct or indirectmechanical connection, e.g., a clockwork mechanism (not shown), fromapparatuses 52, 54, and 56 and generators 66, 76, and 86. The electricalgenerator can be any kind known in the art. Although FIGS. 1 and 2depict generators 66, 76, and 86 as being located in water, i.e., out oftidal body 58, generators 66, 76, and 86 may be located in or out of thewater.

Another embodiment of an energy storage and generation system is shownin FIG. 5 and is generally referenced by the numeral 120. Collector 70is a receptacle that collects rainwater. Container 122 receives waterfrom collector 70 through a conduit 123 either on a continuous orperiodic basis. Container 122 is adapted to actuate along a guide 124generally from one end to the other depending on the weight of water incontainer 122. When container 122 is substantially full or at apredesignated weight, it can be released to fall from an upper end 125of guide 124 to a lower end 127 of guide 124. Mechanical energy isgenerated by the descent of container 122 along guide 124. Mechanicalenergy is converted to electrical energy in electrical generator 120.After container 122 reaches the vicinity of lower end 127, most orsubstantially all water therein is released such that the weight ofcontainer 122 is reduced. Container 122 is connected to a counterweight134 by a cable 10, which is run through a series of blocks 130 and 132such that counterweight 134 is heavier than container 122 when container122 is empty or substantially empty. The weight of counterweight 134relative to container 122 when substantially empty is sufficient to pullcontainer 122 back up guide 124 to the vicinity of upper end 125.

Another embodiment of an energy storage and generation system is shownin FIG. 6 and is generally referenced by the numeral 140. The systemgenerates electricity using solar energy or radiation, i.e., light. Thesystem has sails 142 and 144, a cable 146, a mechanical converter 148,an electrical generator 150, and a gravity well 152.

Sails 142 and 144 are connected via cable 146. Sails 142 and 144 actuateand reciprocate along cable 146. Sails 142 and 144 are alternatelyfurled and unfurled, i.e., one is furled while the other is unfurled.The unfurled sail receives solar energy from the sun (not depicted) andmoves or actuates to a designated position. The unfurled sail pullscable 146 and the furled sail to another designated position. Then theunfurled sail is furled and the furled sale unfurled. This switch infurling causes the sails to reverse course and return to their originalpositions. The actuation cycle can be repeated continually orcontinuously. FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of the cycle, wherein sail144 has actuated and pulled cable 146 and sail 142 with it. Sail 144 canthen be unfurled and sail 142 furled (not shown) to cause reverseactuation.

Sails 142 and 144 can be constructed of any material that is capable ofbeing actuated when exposed to solar energy or radiation, i.e., light.Preferred materials are metal. A most preferred material is aluminum.Sails 142 and 144 are preferably constructed of a relatively thinmaterial with a relatively broad cross-section. A preferred materialform is a metal foil.

Cable 146 is routed through platform 148, which receives mechanicalenergy generated by the actuation of cable 146 via a clockworkmechanism, for example. Mechanical converter 148 is in communicationwith electrical generator 150, which receives mechanical energy frommechanical converter 148 and converts it into electrical energy.

Gravity well 152 can take the form of any massive body, such as a planetor moon. System 140 is positioned within the orbit of gravity well 152.

Another embodiment of an energy storage and generation system is shownin FIG. 7 and is generally referenced by the numeral 160. System 160 hasa platform 162, an icemaker 164, first and second guides 166 and 168,and an electrical generator 170. System 160 is positioned in a body 172of water. Icemaker 164 freezes a quantity of water from body 172 to forman ice body 174. As ice is less dense than liquid water, ice body 174naturally floats via buoyancy upward through water body 172 towardplatform 162. Ice body 174 floats along the first and second guides 166and 168 that are in connection with platform 162 to create mechanicalenergy. Platform 162 preferably has a means for transferring themechanical energy generated by guides 166 and 168 to generator 170.Suitable means for transferring mechanical energy include, for example,a clockwork mechanism (not shown). Guides 166 and 168 can take the formof a cable, tether, pipe, conduit, pole, rod, or other member capable ofguiding and conveying ice body 174. If water body 172 is a body of saltwater, such as the ocean, salt will be expelled from ice body 174 duringthe freezing process—yielding ice of fresh, substantially non-saltywater. If the freezing process is carried out in deep water, theelevated hydrostatic pressure will have the effect of lowering thefreezing temperature. The lower freezing temperature will yield ice thatis at a lower temperature when harvested providing a deeper heat sink.

Another embodiment of an energy storage and generation system is shownin FIG. 8 and is generally referenced by the numeral 180. The systemgenerates electricity using flow energy, e.g., water. The system hascapture devices 182 and 184, a cable 186, a mechanical converter 188,and an electrical generator 190.

Capture devices 182 and 184 are connected via cable 186. Capture devices182 and 184 actuate and reciprocate along cable 186. Capture devices 182and 184 are alternately furled and unfurled, i.e., one is furled whilethe other is unfurled. The unfurled capture device receives flow energy(not depicted) and moves or actuates to a designated position. Theunfurled capture device pulls cable 186 and the furled capture device toanother designated position. Then the unfurled capture device is furledand the furled sale unfurled. This switch in furling causes the capturedevices to reverse course and return to their original positions. Theactuation cycle can be repeated continually or continuously. FIG. 8illustrates a portion of the cycle, wherein capture device 184 hasactuated and pulled cable 186 and capture device 182 with it. Capturedevice 184 can then be unfurled and capture device 182 furled (notshown) to cause reverse actuation.

Capture devices 182 and 184 can be constructed of any material that iscapable of being actuated when exposed to flow energy. Preferredmaterials are rigid materials of metal or plastic. Capture devices 182and 184 are preferably constructed of a relatively thin material with arelatively broad cross-section in the nature of a sail.

Cable 186 is routed through platform 188, which receives mechanicalenergy generated by the actuation of cable 186. Mechanical converter 188is in communication with electrical generator 190, which receivesmechanical energy from mechanical converter 188 and converts it intoelectrical energy. Suitable means for transferring mechanical energyinclude, for example, a clockwork mechanism (not shown).

In another embodiment, there is another system for storing potentialenergy and generating electrical energy. The system has a means foraccumulating and storing potential energy, a means for converting thepotential energy to mechanical energy at the election of a user, and ameans for converting the mechanical energy to electrical energy.

The following are examples of the disclosure and are not to be construedas limiting.

EXAMPLES

An example employing the swaying action of a tree (as a result of windforce) to generate energy is shown in FIGS. 9 and 17. In FIG. 9, asystem 200 is made up of a tree 202, a cable 204 (or a rope), and aclockwork mechanism 206. Cable 204 is connected directly or indirectlyto tree 202. As the tree 202 sways, the actuating of cable 204 transfersmechanical energy to mechanism 206 via turning of a shaft (not shown).Mechanism 206 is connected to a DC motor and generator (not shown) tocreate electrical energy. In FIG. 9, a system 210 is made up of a tree212, a cable 214 (or a rope), a clockwork mechanism 216, and a pluralityof swivel blocks 218. The swivel blocks 218 guide and position cable 214with respect to tree 212 and mechanism 216 so that cable 214 isstabilized and adapted to actuate. As the tree 222 sways, the actuatingof cable 214 transfers mechanical energy to mechanism 216 via turning ofa shaft (not shown). Mechanism 206 is connected to a DC motor andgenerator (not shown) to create electrical energy.

Another example employs the force of wind to generate and store energyis shown in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, a system 220 is made up of kites 222and 224, which are attached by strings 226 and 228 to a pair of trainsor cars (not shown) on a pair of tracks (not shown). The trains actuatedalong the tracks as wind blew kites 222 and 224. The trains wereconnected to a clockwork mechanism 230 via ropes (not shown), which werewound around a shaft (not shown) of mechanism 230. The generalconfiguration of a pair of tracks is shown by way of illustration in adifferent system in FIG. 12. Potential energy is stored in the system byexposing kites 222 and 224 to wind energy yet retaining the trains inlocked position (not shown) and releasing the trains from lockedposition when access to the potential energy is desired. The energy ofthe shaft could be accessed when desired by a user. As one kite and itstrain are actuating down a track, the other kite and train are beingdrawn in by hand such that kites 222 and 224 are actuating sequentiallyand oppositely during operation. The shaft was connected to a DC motorand generator (not shown) to generate electricity. The system produced300 mA and 5 to 23 volts of electricity when tested. If desired, acoiled shaft (not shown) can be employed in mechanism 230 to furtherstore potential energy converted from the kinetic energy received fromkites 222 and 224.

Another example employs the force of wind to generate and store energyis shown in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, a system 240 is made up of sails 242and 244, which were directly attached by ropes 246 and 248 to a pair oftrains or cars (not shown) on a pair of tracks (not shown). The trainsactuated along the tracks as wind blew sails 242 and 244. The trainswere connected to a clockwork mechanism 250 via ropes 246 and 248, whichare wound around a shaft (not shown) of mechanism 250. The generalconfiguration of a pair of tracks is shown by way of illustration in adifferent system in FIG. 12. Potential energy is stored in the system byexposing sails 242 and 244 to wind energy yet retaining the trains inlocked position (not shown) and releasing the trains from lockedposition when access to the potential energy is desired. As one sail andits train are actuating down a track, the other sail and train are beingdrawn in by hand such that sails 242 and 244 are actuating sequentiallyand oppositely during operation. The energy of the shaft can be accessedwhen desired by a user. The shaft is connected to a DC motor andgenerator (not shown) to generate electricity. The system producedelectricity when tested. If desired, a coiled shaft (not shown) can beemployed in mechanism 250 to further store potential energy convertedfrom the kinetic energy received from sails 242 and 244.

Another example employs the force of the flow of water to generate andstore energy is shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 and is generally referenced bythe numeral 260. Planar paddles 262 and 264 are directly attached attheir undersides to a pair of trains or cars (not shown), which actuatesequentially and oppositely along a pair of tracks 270 and 272. Thetrains are attached by ropes 266 and 268 to clockwork mechanism 274. Thetrains actuate along tracks 270 and 272 as water flows against planarpaddles 262 and 264. The trains are connected to a clockwork mechanism274 via ropes 266 and 268, which are wound around a shaft (not shown) ofmechanism 274. Potential energy is stored in the system by exposingplanar paddles 262 and 264 to wind energy yet retaining the trains inlocked position (not shown) and releasing the trains from lockedposition when access to the potential energy is desired. As one planarpaddle and its train actuate down a track, the other sail and train areactuating in the opposite direction during operation. The shaft isconnected to a DC motor and generator (not shown) to generateelectricity. If desired, a coiled shaft (not shown) can be employed inmechanism 274 to further store potential energy converted from thekinetic energy received from paddles 262 and 264.

FIGS. 13 to 15 depict the structure of paddle 262, and, concomitantly,paddle 264, in open or “unfurled” position. Paddle 264 has paddlesections 276 and 278 and hinge 280, which allows paddle sections 276 and278 to actuate therebetween. A dowel 282 is threaded through a pair ofeyescrews 284 to hold paddle 264 locked in an open position. Dowel 282in conjunctions with paddle 262 creates the appearance of a ridgedplane. FIG. 15 shows paddle 262 in a closed or “furled” position, whichoccurs when paddle 262 is exposed to flow energy and dowel 282 has beenremoved. It is noted that other methods of opening and closing a paddlemay be employed, such as the use of magnets, springs, hydraulics, andother electromechanical devices.

System 260 was placed in a plastic tub and two water hoses were insertedto simulate the flow or energy current of a river. The sprocket on theDC motor was replaced with a friction block. The system generated 2 A(amperes) at 12 V (volts) of electricity.

Another example of a system that employs the weight of water to generateand store energy is shown in FIG. 16 and is generally referenced by thenumeral 290. Containers 292 and 294 are attached by ropes 296 and 298 toclockwork mechanism 300 at a pinch block (not shown). Containers 292 and294 are filled with and emptied of water alternately. Containers 292 and294 actuate alternately and are connected to by the same rope. The pinchblock is connected to a shaft (not shown) of a DC motor and generator(not shown) to generate electricity. System 290 was tested and generatedmeasurable electricity.

An example of a clockwork mechanism useful in the systems of thedisclosure is shown in FIG. 18 and is generally referenced by thenumeral 310. Mechanism 310 has a first paired sprocket assembly having asmall sprocket 312, a large sprocket 314, and a drive chain 316 and asecond paired sprocket assembly having a small sprocket 322, a largesprocket 324, and a drive chain 326. Mechanism 310 has a shaft driven bythe first and second sprocket assemblies. The shaft is attached to a DCmotor 330 and a generator 332. Charge generated by generator 332 ismeasured for properties such as voltage and amperage in measuring device334. In other mechanisms, sprocket assemblies can be replaced withfriction blocks, e.g., an actuating rope is in contact with a frictionblock attached to a shaft or directly to a DC motor.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives andmodifications can be devised by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure isintended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variancesthat fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for storing potential energy andgenerating electrical energy, comprising the steps of: accumulating andstoring potential energy within a system, releasing and converting thepotential energy in the system to mechanical energy, converting themechanical energy from the system to potential energy accumulated andstored in a mechanism, releasing and converting the potential energyaccumulated and stored in the mechanism to mechanical energy at theelection of a user, and conveying the mechanical energy from themechanism to an electrical generator to generate electrical energy. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein accumulating and storing potential energyincludes positioning a mechanical energy generation apparatus within atidal body of water having a high tide reference level and a low tidereference level and wherein the apparatus has a first stop, a secondstop, a guide extending from the first stop to the second stop, and afloat adapted to actuate between the first stop and the second stopalong the guide, wherein the apparatus is positioned generally verticalwithin the tidal body of water, wherein the first stop is positioned inproximity to the high tide reference level, wherein the second stop ispositioned in proximity to the low tide reference level, whereinconverting the potential energy to mechanical energy includes allowingthe float to actuate, and wherein converting the mechanical energy toelectrical energy includes electrically connecting an electricalgenerator with the apparatus.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein a lowersurface of the first stop is positioned within one foot of the high tidereference level, wherein an upper surface of the second stop ispositioned within one foot of the low tide reference level.
 4. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the float is a sealed tank having a free gastherein.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the float is a tank adaptedto retain air or water, wherein the float has an upper portion and alower portion, wherein the float has a first valve in the upper portionthereof adapted to control the ingress and egress of air or water,wherein the float has a second valve in the lower portion thereofadapted to control the ingress and egress of air or water, wherein watercan enter the float when the float is in proximity to the first stop,wherein water can exit the float when the float is in proximity to thesecond stop.
 6. The method for storing potential energy and generatingelectrical energy of claim 1, wherein accumulating and storing potentialenergy includes positioning a mechanical energy generation apparatuswithin a tidal body of water having a high tide reference level and alow tide reference level and wherein the apparatus has a first stop, asecond stop, a guide extending from the first stop to the second stop,and a float adapted to actuate between the first stop and the secondstop along the guide, wherein the apparatus is positioned generallyvertical within the tidal body of water, wherein the first stop ispositioned in proximity to the high tide reference level, wherein thesecond stop is positioned in proximity to the low tide reference level,wherein converting the potential energy to mechanical energy includesallowing the float to actuate, and wherein converting the mechanicalenergy to electrical energy includes electrically connecting anelectrical generator with the apparatus, and wherein the float is asealed tank having a free gas therein.